MurrayMauler
New member
I picked up this Murray Explorer kart off CL for $200.
It had a solid 6.5hp stock Tecumseh that needed a new carb and the recoil assembly rebuilt with new cord. I also replaced the brake pads, fitted new tires all around and a new 30 series driver clutch and belt since the original was seized solid with rust. I initially ordered a seat cushion from BMI Karts, but it was too small and didn't cover the seat pan completely. We used old pillows while I found a seat, lol.
Decided to return it and hit up a local salvage yard for a cheap adjustable manual seat. Scored one at a local import salvage yard from a 2007 Kia Rio for $40! Welded in some mounting tabs and we were riding in style and comfort.
Once my daughter and I took it for a few rides, it became obvious is was very difficult to steer, especially at low speeds. I did some digging on this site (great resource of info) and found out our kart had basically no Ackermann built into the stock leading control arm steering setup.
To solve this I cut and welded a "T" from some 1.5"W x 3/16" flat bar I got at HD, and some new grade 8 hardware from TSC. Decided to put the offset holes at 1.5" apart, or 3/4" left and right of the original tie rod connection point.
The difference is really noticeable and the kart steers so much easier at low speed now (no front tire scrubbing). She's a hoot to drive, and already scheming about a Predator 420 and 40 series clutch set. My only concern is my daughter already drives it flat out on our street, and my phone's GPS already verified 34.8 MPH with the old Tecumseh!
It had a solid 6.5hp stock Tecumseh that needed a new carb and the recoil assembly rebuilt with new cord. I also replaced the brake pads, fitted new tires all around and a new 30 series driver clutch and belt since the original was seized solid with rust. I initially ordered a seat cushion from BMI Karts, but it was too small and didn't cover the seat pan completely. We used old pillows while I found a seat, lol.
Decided to return it and hit up a local salvage yard for a cheap adjustable manual seat. Scored one at a local import salvage yard from a 2007 Kia Rio for $40! Welded in some mounting tabs and we were riding in style and comfort.
Once my daughter and I took it for a few rides, it became obvious is was very difficult to steer, especially at low speeds. I did some digging on this site (great resource of info) and found out our kart had basically no Ackermann built into the stock leading control arm steering setup.
To solve this I cut and welded a "T" from some 1.5"W x 3/16" flat bar I got at HD, and some new grade 8 hardware from TSC. Decided to put the offset holes at 1.5" apart, or 3/4" left and right of the original tie rod connection point.
The difference is really noticeable and the kart steers so much easier at low speed now (no front tire scrubbing). She's a hoot to drive, and already scheming about a Predator 420 and 40 series clutch set. My only concern is my daughter already drives it flat out on our street, and my phone's GPS already verified 34.8 MPH with the old Tecumseh!
) . 
